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This Is the Cutest Way to Announce an Engagement on Valentine’s Day! + Our Tips & Advice
Planning to announce an engagement anytime soon? Well you’ve reached the right palace! In addition to this beautiful Valentine’s Day engagement – we’ll provide you with some useful tips and advice on how to announce your own engagement!
It is a well-known fact that December through to February are the most popular months for engagements, but this year there seems to have been an explosion in the number of friends announcing their happy news. It’s all very exciting and it stills fills me with joy to so many people blissfully in love, starting on a new life adventure together. If you are new here first let me start by saying CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming nuptials. We are delighted to welcome you to our blog and we hope that you will find the things we share here helpful as you begin to plan your wedding.
Secondly, have you thought about having an engagement shoot to celebrate your announcement? Do you know what an engagement shoot actually is?
Let me start by saying an engagement shoot isn’t compulsory and you certainly don’t have to have one but I personally think they are fantastic idea! They are undeniably romantic, there’s nothing quite like the glow on a newly engaged couple’s faces and the sparkle in their eye, you can feel the happiness radiating as it dawns on them that they are about to start a thrilling new adventure and for me I think this is the perfect time to find a photographer, head out to your favourite spot and capture that moment forever.
Here you will experience what it feels like to be in front of a camera if this is something you’ve not really done before, this is a fantastic way to put your mind at ease and get some practice in before the big day. You will begin to get to know how photographers work, what they will likely be like on your wedding day and their style of photography.
Having recently announced my own engagement with a shoot, I picked up a few tips along the way and I thought it would be useful to share them with you today.
1. CHOOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH
Of course this is slightly more difficult if you don’t know any photographers personally but you can get a feel for someone just by looking at their ‘About’ page on their website. Look out for their interests, where they live, family etc. These are all ways of judging whether or not you will get on, and will give you an idea of the type of person they are.
Although I am fairly confident in front of a camera now, I knew this would be something Mr T would be a little more worried about, so I wanted to ease him in and the best way to do this was to choose a photographer we knew well. Jess was my first choice as not only is she a great photographer but she is also one of my best friends so I knew she would make us both feel at ease. I also thought it was a fantastic way to get know each other behind the camera, as we had never had pro photos taken together before, so it was useful to work out dynamics. Naturally I found myself taking the lead and this helped Mr T relax into it more.
2. PICK A LOCATION YOU KNOW WELL
This can be anywhere from your favourite cafe to your favourite park. We actually chose to have ours at home. It’s where we spend a lot of time together and it is the foundation of our relationship. If your stuck for ideas think back to your very first date or where you got engaged. These are locations that mean something to you and will provide fond memories in years to come.
3. PREVENT NERVES BY DOING ACTIVITIES
If you are worried about being in front of a camera, there are loads of things you can do to take your mind off it. Photographers are great at thinking up games for you and your other half but you can create your own activities to, these can be anything from going on a colourful wall crawl, getting ice cream at your local ice cream parlour, having a picnic, a day a the fair, a bike ride, even a trip to the garden centre are all fantastic ways to stop nerves and do something you enjoy instead.
We chose to do things that we would normally do every day, for example Mr T sat on the floor watching TV and I scrolled through Instagram on my phone, it might sound mundane but it’s our life and it’s where we feel most comfortable.
4. THINK OF A THEME?
Ok so you might not want your theme to be obvious but it certainly helps photographers when you can give them an idea of the type of thing you expect from your photos. Think of ideas that mean something to you, maybe you got engaged in the autumn and what to reflect it by having a shoot in the woods surrounded by colourful leaves or in the spring when everything is light and airy. Perhaps you have a favourite film you could play on such as this Up themed engagement or favourite holiday such as Halloween. Perhaps you love to go camping or you share a love of reading and books, whatever it is use it, nothing is ever to dull and nothing is ever to bold!
5. USE PROPS
Props are great if you’re not sure where to put your hands, it’s funny how awkward your hands can make you feel isn’t it? We were hoping to use our cats as usually we when we are sat on the sofa they never leave our side, however on this occasion they were no where to be seen, so we improvised with a tv remote and a mobile phone. Surprisingly it worked but it probably would have helped to be a little more prepared. Balloons are a popular one and make for super cute photos too!
Super Suppliers – Photography: Brooke Michelle Photography// Florals: Rhonda Kaplan// Hair: PSC Hair Artistry// Makeup: Kaytee Sponaghe// Styling: The Boutique at Body Wellness//
Tips and Advice on How To Announce an Engagement
The moment you say “yes,” your heart races, your mind spins, and suddenly, you’re holding onto a sparkling secret that you can’t wait to share. But before you throw it on Instagram with a generic “I said yes!” caption (please, no), let’s talk about how to announce an engagement in a way that’s as unforgettable as the proposal itself.
Timing Is Everything
The urge to text your best friend the second the ring slides onto your finger is strong. But trust me—take a beat. Bask in the moment with your partner. Order that celebratory glass of champagne. Give yourselves a few hours (or even a day) to just exist in the glow of your new reality.
I once had a friend who posted her engagement online before calling her own mother. The result? An awkward Thanksgiving and a mother-in-law who still brings it up five years later. Prioritize your inner circle first. Parents, siblings, besties—let them hear it straight from you. Brides offers great advice on who to tell first and when.
Social Media: A Blessing and a Curse
When it’s finally time to announce an engagement publicly, social media is the obvious choice. But don’t just toss up a blurry ring selfie under bad lighting. Think storytelling. Capture a candid moment, a creative shot, or even a short, sweet video. And for the love of aesthetics, check your nails before posting a close-up of your hand.
Not into public declarations? That’s fine too. Some of the most meaningful engagement announcements I’ve seen have been old-school: handwritten letters, personalized emails, or even (gasp) in-person gatherings. If you’re a private person, embrace that. This moment belongs to you—not an algorithm. The Knot breaks down the dos and don’ts of sharing your engagement online.
Engagement Parties: Yay or Nay?
Throwing an engagement party can be the perfect way to announce an engagement in real life. Just be mindful—if you invite someone to this shindig, they’ll likely expect a wedding invite too. And let’s be honest, you probably don’t want your coworker from three jobs ago hovering over the cake table on your big day.
If a party feels too formal, consider a casual get-together: a backyard barbecue, a wine night, or a Sunday brunch with close friends. Keep it light, keep it fun, and don’t stress over making it Pinterest-perfect. Martha Stewart Weddings offers useful tips on planning a stress-free engagement party.
Symbolism Behind the Announcement
How you announce your engagement can set the tone for the entire wedding journey. A handwritten note to family speaks of tradition and intimacy. A viral-worthy proposal video signals a couple who thrives on shared joy. Even the choice of words in your caption—whether it’s sentimental or playful—hints at the kind of celebration to come.
I once met a couple who announced their engagement with a photo of their passports and a caption that read, “Next stop: forever.” A year later, they had a destination wedding in Greece. Their engagement announcement wasn’t just a post; it was a promise of adventure.
What I’ve Learned After 13 Years in the Wedding World
If there’s one thing I’ve seen repeatedly, it’s that engagement announcements are deeply personal. Some couples shout it from the rooftops. Others keep it quiet, savoring it between just the two of them. There’s no right way—only your way.
But if I had to give one universal piece of advice, it’s this: don’t overthink it. Your engagement isn’t about impressing strangers on the internet or crafting the “perfect” post. It’s about celebrating love in a way that feels true to you.
So, take a deep breath. Call your people. Pop some bubbly. And however you choose to share your news, make sure it feels like you.
Great pictures!
I adore your blog and your writing style. These wedding photos are gorgeous!!
Thank you Christina 🙂